Lion Pride-Cast Episode 3.6: Virtual Academy Success, Parent Communication Upgrades & Early Learning Fun! (Feb 26, 2025)

Hosts: Miles Azzeh (Director of Teaching & Learning) & Sharon Burns (Director of Communications & Marketing)

Employee Spotlight: Josh Yoakam (Gifted Facilitator, Lansing Middle School)

• Recognized for eight years of dedication to gifted education.
• Formerly worked in public health before shifting to education.
• One of three Lansing Middle School teachers piloting a CRE AI grant in partnership with KU.
• A Lansing graduate and proud member of a family deeply rooted in the district.

Academic Spotlight: Lansing USD 469 Virtual Academy

• First year of the Virtual Academy, initially expected to serve 24 students but now supporting nearly 80 students.
• Uses Acellus Gold for curriculum and features academic learning coaches to provide structured support.
• Open to homeschool families, allowing students to participate in extracurricular activities while learning remotely.
• Plans for expansion next year with additional learning coaches and capacity for over 100 students.

District-Level Update: Launch of ‘Rooms’ for Parent Communication

• New two-way communication system integrated into the district’s mobile app.
• Aims to simplify communication for parents, reducing the number of apps they need to track.
• Official launch with parent information sent via Skyward on February 27th.
• Directly tied to feedback from the district’s strategic plan and efforts to improve communication consistency.

Student Voices: Early Childhood Highlights

• Featuring Gage and Lennon, two early childhood students, sharing their favorite learning experiences:
• Hosts emphasized the importance of early childhood education and praised the dedication of the early learning staff.

Stay Connected!

• Visit www.usd469.net for updates.
• Download the Lansing USD 469 mobile app to stay informed.
• Listen & subscribe on most streaming platforms